Dempster Foundation Casino Night a Huge Success

EDITOR’S NOTE: This piece originally appeared on Cubs.com

CHICAGO — Cubs pitcher Ryan Dempster’s second annual casino night, held July 20 to raise money for his foundation, was a huge success and will help a family in Tuscaloosa, Ala., get a home.

The event, held at the Palmer House Hilton in downtown Chicago, included a live auction. A baseball autographed by Babe Ruth was sold for $22,000, a trip to the 2011 World Series went for more than $40,000, and comedian Jeff Garlin offered two walk-on appearances for “Curb Your Enthusiasm” for $10,000 each — and sold them.

But the focus was to raise money and awareness to help families who are affected by 22q, also known as DiGeorge Syndrome.

Dempster and Yankees pitcher David Robertson learned this summer that they were linked by the disorder. Dempster’s daughter, Riley, was diagnosed with 22q shortly after her birth.

Robertson met a family in his hometown of Tuscaloosa who lost their home in the tornado that ripped through the town in April, and their son has 22q. Dempster said the money from the auction of the Babe Ruth ball will go to the family, which will allow them to finish their new home.

- Carrie Muskat / MLB.com

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